27 REPS

28.5 INCH

116.0 INCH

7.59 SEC

4.44 SEC

Overview

Any offensive tackle coming out of Central Michigan will naturally be compared to 2007 first-round pick Joe Staley, who has now become one of the top linemen in the NFL. But if there’s one player with the potential to meet those high expectations, it’s the tall, athletic, and rapidly growing Fisher. He was only a third-team All-MAC pick in 2011 as the full-time starter on the blind side, partially because he missed the final two games of the year with a knee injury. But in 2012 Fisher received first-team All-MAC honors after starting all 12 games at left tackle. NFL scouts will have no choice but to give him grades similar to those they gave Staley when he came out of Mount Pleasant.

He fell through the recruiting cracks a bit as a 250-pound tackle coming out of Stoney Creek High School in Michigan, where he only played on the offensive line there in this senior season (he captained both the football and basketball teams that year). But he still proved himself strong enough as a true freshman to play in eight games, with two starts at left tackle. In 2010, he didn’t start the first three games but proved an invaluable member of the line in the last nine, starting four games at right tackle, moving over to right guard for two weeks, and then lining up at left tackle for the final three contests. During his senior year, Fisher anchored an offensive line that averaged 6.2 yards-per-play, second best in the MAC and the same unit only allowed 14 sacks, which was good for fourth best in the MAC.

Analysis

Strengths

Tall, long left tackle frame with good thickness but still room to add weight throughout. Natural athlete with bend and foot quickness off the snap, can mirror quick ends around the pocket, staying engaged even with tilted shoulders and often finishing the block with a shove. Strong anchor in pass protection, widens his stance, extends his arms, and keeps his balance even if his opponent gets a good punch on his chest. Agile enough to ride end inside and then pick up outside twist. Shows off impressive straight-line speed and the agility to adjust to moving targets when leading off-tackle runs to the second or third level. Has no issues getting out of a three-point stance in pass protection or the run game despite his height. Flashes nastiness as a drive blocker, latching on and churning his legs to push his man back a few yards. Possesses foot quickness and effective hands to move from one target to the other in combo blocks.

Weaknesses

Should continue to add strength in his upper and lower body to handle pro defenders. Hands can be slow to get up off the snap, explosive ends get theirs on his numbers. Also needs to consistently latch onto smaller targets in space, can bounce off them instead of dominating like he does when using his hands. Will lunge in the run game, getting off-balance against quicker opponents. Turns his shoulders square to the line in his slide on occasion, allowing ends to get to the quarterback if he steps up in the pocket.

NFL Comparison

Joe Staley

Bottom Line

The top left tackle prospect of the senior class, Fisher opened scouts’ eyes with his pro-caliber frame and eye-popping agility in the open field, which he should be able to maintain while working in an NFL strength program. Among all other players, Fisher benefited the most when two top junior tackle prospects decided to return for their senior season. With a solid performance during the Senior Bowl, Fisher could solidify his evaluation as a top-15 pick.